Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has already made his feelings known about the Etihad-bound star Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The Citizens are set to end the summer transfer window strongly with the signing of arguably the world’s best goalkeeper.
Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso has confirmed that Donnarumma is Man City-bound after falling out of favour at Paris Saint-Germain.
Donnarumma’s medical at Man City is now imminent as he is set to succeed Ederson, who could be on his way to Fenerbahce.
And Erling Haaland has already delivered his verdict on the Italy international, who he followed keenly in the Champions League last season.
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Erling Haaland of Manchester City and Gianluigi Donnarumma of PSG react during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City at Parc des Princes on January 22, 2025
Photo by Lionel Hahn/Getty Images
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Erling Haaland lauded Gianluigi Donnarumma after PSG’s win over Arsenal
Haaland not only adores football – compared to some players who just see it as a job – but he also likes praising his peers on social media when they do well.
For instance, Haaland described Jack Grealish as “Jack De Bruyne” when the Man City loanee grabbed another two assists for Everton at the weekend.
Back in May, Haaland watched PSG’s Champions League semi-final win over Arsenal, and he singled Gianluigi Donnarumma and Achraf Hakimi out for praise on Snapchat.
“What a player,” Haaland said of Hakimi, before adding: “And Donnarumma No. 1.”
The Norway international then said both Donnarumma and Hakimi were worthy of the Man of the Match award.
More recently, Haaland liked Donnarumma’s farewell message to the PSG fans.
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What Gianluigi Donnarumma has said about Erling Haaland
Game recognises game and, in the case of Haaland and Donnarumma, the feeling is very much mutual.
Donnarumma lauded Haaland after PSG’s 4-2 win against Manchester City in January this year.
Competition Matchday Home team Away team Result
2024/25 Champions League Group Stage Paris Saint-Germain Manchester City Man City won 4-2
2026 World Cup qualifier Group Stage Norway Italy Norway won 3-0
The two occasions Erling Haaland and Gianluigi Donnarumma faced off
“He’s a champion,” said the Euro 2020 champion. “This was the first time I played against him and I have to say he’s a beast, a real champion.”
Donnarumma added: “He’s really strong, and I wish him all the best. He’ll be at the top for many years.”